Fenstanton Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 June 2026

Pupils have been through a prolonged period of uncertainty. For a time, they understood, along with their families and staff, that the school would close. Pupils found this unsettling, and some of their friends left the school. Now that the school's future is more assured, pupils are benefiting from calm, consistency and the high expectations that staff hold for them. Pupils feel part of a close-knit community. Pupils want to do well. They enjoy a curriculum that has been strengthened in recent years. Pupils talk with growing confidence about what they know across different subjects. Pupils' achievement has not been high enough in the past. Results at the end of Year 6 were below the national average for several years. Last year they improved markedly. Pupils now produce work that is typically in line with what is expected for their age. Younger pupils get off to a positive start in reading and learning their letters and sounds through a well-taught phonics programme. Pupils behave well. They understand staff's expectations. Classrooms are calm places where pupils try their best. Pupils are proud to take on responsibilities, serving as play leaders, peers mediators and house captains, and standing for election to the school council. Pupils trust the school staff. They know if something is worrying, a member of staff will help. Bullying is rare. Pupil leaders work with staff to keep it that way. Pupils are courteous and kind. They look out for each other and are genuinely respectful of difference and diversity. The shared values of kindness, respect, nurture, aspiration and resilience are not only learned but demonstrated in how pupils treat one another. As one pupil put it, typical of many, 'Everyone is welcome at Fenstanton.' For some pupils, regular school attendance is a challenge. Too many pupils miss more school than they should. Leaders and the governing body are working hard to help these pupils and their families so that pupils can attend school every day, because they know that being in school every day will help pupils to thrive.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should embed the changes made to the curriculum and teaching so that improvements in achievement are sustained for all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils.
• Leaders should strengthen their work with families so that attendance improves and fewer pupils are persistently absent.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)